This is a program that raises a diverse group of community leaders to serve on boards of nonprofit organizations and in leadership positions in the Greater Atlanta area.

“It gave me that connection with United Way, and I liked the fact that it would train you for board service — that training has paid off over the years for me,” she says.

Stephanie went through workshops on fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and financial and legal decision making.

“Since then, I served on different boards,” Stephanie said. “I was on the board for transitional housing and homelessness, I have served as the director of technology for National Black MBA, Back on My Feet Atlanta, American Cancer Society Cobb and I’m currently on the Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link board.”

She is also on the Duke University Engineering Alumni Council and the Duke Alumni Association in Atlanta, Stephanie says.

“I had some times when I was serving on two or three boards at the same time,” she said with a laugh.

After serving on multiple nonprofit boards, Stephanie said she became heavily involved in United Way of Greater Atlanta.

“I got an email from [Senior Director of the VIP Program] Janice [Robinson] that she had sent out to VIP graduates talking about the [African American Partnership] and asking us if anyone was interested in serving on the Cabinet, and I sent in my application,” Stephanie said.

Stephanie was a graduate of the program in 1999. She was “very eager” to serve on a board, Robinson said.

“My goal is to make sure that all alumni have an opportunity to serve, so I always share with them open board opportunities,” Robinson said.
Robinson said she has helped Stephanie develop board connections and United Way opportunities since she graduated through the program.

“VIP trains community leaders like Stephanie to be effective board members,” Robinson said. “By doing so, community organizations become stronger and more effective.”

Stephanie was selected to serve on the AAP Cabinet. She has served as the membership committee chair and vice chair of the AAP affinity group. She’s currently wrapping up her term as chair, she says.

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s African-American Partnership was formed in 2000 after Dr. Johnnetta Cole saw there wasn’t enough leadership positions for African-Americans in Greater Atlanta.

Since its formation, AAP has garnered more than 1,000 members and raised more than $2.2 million annually for United Way.

AAP’s signature cause is powering the potential of African-American boys and young men toward academic achievement.

AAP Director Bryan Vinson said Stephanie “leads by example.”

“She sets the pace for the Cabinet with her unwavering commitment to community, leveraging networks to expand resources and drive toward innovation and increased efficiency,” Vinson said. “During Stephanie’s four years on the AAP Cabinet — two years as chair— our brand and presence in the community has grown exponentially.”

Stephanie said since she’s been on the Cabinet she’s seen the group expand to include more corporate sponsors, they have equipped six schools with after school-type activities they call, “Build a Library,” they hosted different youth mentoring events and have seen the annual Leadership Luncheon grow exponentially.

“Our largest fundraiser is the luncheon, and the first year we did it we had about 100 people in attendance,” Stephanie said. “We have more than 1,300 that attended the last one.”

Stephanie said AAP is a group that is important to her “because [AAP is] focusing on a segment of people that are often overlooked.” She has enjoyed interacting with the students over the years.

Stephanie was recently recognized for her service to the community with the Women of Excellence award from the Atlanta Tribune. She credits her time at AAP for helping her come out of her shell. It has helped her grow into her leadership roles as she’s taken on new career paths.

“Indirectly, AAP helped build my leadership skills and helped me with public speaking and community engagement,” she says. “I’ve met wonderful people and built lifelong friendships. I’m looking forward to attending different events after my time as Chair ends.”

Look Who’s On Board

We are always happy to share the great news of Alumni Placements with the community.

Ketiwe Zipperer
Summer 2018 VIP Graduate
Ketiwe is a Manager with Deloitte Consulting. She recently joined the board of DeKalb County CASA. DeKalb County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) train and support CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care.

Jaselyn Williams
Fall 2018 VIP Graduate
Jaselyn is the Senior HR Business Partner with Digital Realty. Jaselyn is quickly putting her VIP knowledge to use after recently joining the board of Live Healthy and Thrive Youth Foundation. Their mission is to educate, activate, motivate, and empower youth in the areas of academic achievement, health, fitness, nutrition and total wellness.

Joy Dyess
Fall 2017 VIP Graduate
Joy is Vice President, Director of Special Projects with BankSouth Mortgage and Vice President-Elect, Advocacy & Initiatives Council with the Junior League of Atlanta. Joy recently joined the United Way of Greater Atlanta Cobb County Advisory Board where she will work create a thriving community in Cobb County.

#WhyWednesday: Evonna Christmon

#WhyWednesday: Evonna Christmon

“You never know who you will be a light to.”

Evonna Christmon, United Way VIP graduate and Executive Director of Blossoming Brown Girls, believes that as human beings, we are all responsible for taking care of each other.

#WhyWednesday: Khadijah Ameen

#WhyWednesday: Khadijah Ameen

Why is Khadijah Ameen involved in her community? Because representation matters. Today, hear how this United Way VIP grad and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Presidential Management Fellow takes action for Atlanta’s underrepresented communities.

#WhyWednesday: Stefanie Small

#WhyWednesday: Stefanie Small

Meet Stefanie Small, Community Engagement Manager at the Future Foundation in East Point, and a graduate of the Fall 2018 VIP class! Why does Stefanie step up to help her community? Today, hear her share her why.

We all have something to give – whether it’s time, talent or financial resources. However you give back to Greater Atlanta, we want to hear the why behind it. Share your story with United Way!

2018 New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions for a Thriving Community

Starting off 2018 with big goals to give, advocate and volunteer — but don’t know where to start? It’s a new year, and there are new ways to get involved, give back to Greater Atlanta and deepen your connections with your community.

Know the child well-being score for your zip code

As Ida B. Wells said, “The people must know before they can act.” At our State of the Children press conference in March 2017, as we announced the launch of the new Child Well-Being Index, WABE’s Rose Scott quoted Ida B. Wells as a reminder that to improve the well-being of our community, first we have to know the data.

What are the obstacles that keep Greater Atlanta’s children from thriving? With its 14 measures of child, family and community well-being, the Child Well-Being Index gives us insight into where our community stands presently — and how we can improve its future. And here’s the coolest part: Our interactive Child Well-Being Map makes it easy to get informed on the issues facing the communities where you live, work and play! Just enter your zip code to see how children are doing in your region.

Become a community VIP

Did you know that United Way of Greater Atlanta’s nonprofit board training initiative, the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), has equipped more than 2,200 diverse volunteers to become effective board leaders? VIP participants build leadership skills throughout a 10-week, 40-hour training program that includes workshops on fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and financial and legal decision making. Applications are currently being accepted for United Way VIP’s spring 2018 training session!

Join a group

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s engagement groups and leadership giving societies allow you to make a positive impact on our region while also building your personal and professional networks. These caring communities of donors and volunteers drive sustainable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in the 13 counties of Greater Atlanta. Learn more about joining a United Way group.

Share your why

What’s your “why”? What drives you to give, advocate and volunteer for the good of Greater Atlanta? Whatever it is — that’s your “why.” And we want to hear it! You can share your story with us online, or keep your eye out for our Share Your Why booth at upcoming United Way of Greater Atlanta events. In the meantime, check out Share Your Why videos from like-minded donors, advocates and volunteers to get inspired!